Gaerne backs WorldSBK season finale, HJC title sponsors French MotoGP race

Italian motorcycle boots manufacturer Gaerne has agreed a deal to sponsor the two remaining rounds of the 2016 Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) motorcycling series, while helmet manufacturer HJC has signed on as the title sponsor of next year’s French round of the MotoGP championship.

As part of Gaerne’s deal, which it struck with Dorna Sports, WorldSBK’s commercial rights-holder, the company will take on naming rights to the Spanish and Qatari rounds of the series.

The Gaerne Spanish Round and the Gaerne Qatar Round will take place from October 14-16 and October 28-30, respectively. Gaerne will receive on- and off-track brand exposure at the two events.

Gaerne holds endorsement deals with WorldSBK riders including PJ Jacobsen, Lorenzo Zanetti and Gino Rea.

As part of HJC’s agreement with Dorna Sports, which also holds commercial rights to MotoGP, next year’s French Grand Prix will officially be titled the HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France. The event will take place from May 20-21 at Le Mans.

HJC also title sponsored Brno’s Czech Grand Prix in August.